Chrissi Rawak, University of Delaware director of intercollegiate athletics and recreation services, announced Wednesday that longtime women’s soccer head coach Scott Grzenda has resigned his position.

Grzenda recently completed his 27th season at the post as the only head coach in UD women’s soccer history.

“I would like to thank Mary Ann Hitchens for hiring me all those years ago and all those who played for me and coached with me over the years,” said Grzenda. “I’ve loved them all.”

“I want to thank Scott for his many years of hard work, loyalty, and service to his alma mater and wish him and his family the best moving forward,” said Rawak. “We will begin a search immediately to find the best candidate to fill this important role and continue the legacy that Scott created when he started our women’s soccer program nearly three decades ago.”

Grzenda compiled a career record of 241-215-45 (.526). UD finished as America East Conference runners-up in 1994-96 and advanced to the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) tournament semifinals twice, most recently in 2011.

He was named conference coach of the year three times and coached eight all-region players, seven all-district academic selections, and 42 all-conference players.

The Blue Hens posted a record of 4-13-1 this fall and placed eighth in the CAA standings with a mark of 3-5-1. Among the team’s wins was a 2-1 victory over eventual CAA champion and NCAA tournament participant Northeastern. UD also tied CAA runner-up Drexel in the final game of the season.

A 1987 graduate of UD and a native of Trenton, New Jersey, Grzenda was a three-time All-East Coast Conference selection at midfield for the Blue Hens from 1984-86 and earned all-region honors during his playing days.

He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Lynchburg (Virginia) College before starting the varsity program at UD in 1990.